Vapor dispenser means



United States Patent 1.033.536 7/1912 Canfield 239/44.

l.420.965 6/1922 Buttonetal... 239/326 2,765,194 10/1956 Will 239/44 2921745 l/l960 Yost 239/326 3330508 7/1967 Cordner 239/44 FOREIGN PATENTS 530.335 9/1921 France 239/44 Primary Examiner-Lloyd L. King Attorney-John R. Walker, lll

ABSTRACT: A small, portable, disposable, leakproof dispenser for dispensing vapors of volatile insecticides, perfumes, deodorants or the like. The vapor dispenser means including a tubular open-topped hollow body having a base part adapted to contain a quantity of volatile substance to be dispersed, stopper means for stopping and opening the chamber respectively for occluding or permitting vapor'flow from the chamber. and vapor metering means for regulating or metering the flow of vapor passing from the chamber to the ambient air when the stopper means is in an open disposition.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII VAPOR DISPENSER MEANS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 714,694 filed Mar. 20, 1968, now abandoned which was a continuation-inpart of application Ser. No. 548,359 filed May 5, 1966 now abandoned. i

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention Relates to vapor dispensers generally and particularly to small unit-type dispensers adapted to be stationed unattended at a desired place for emitting a certain kind of vapor.

2. Description of the Prior Art Various types of devices have heretofore been designed and marketed for dispensing the vapors of volatile substances. Wicktype vapor dispensers are currently prevalent in the art. A typical wick-type vapor dispenser includes a bottle container of liquid dispersant having a wick inside the bottle submerged in the liquid. A user of the dispenser removes the cap from the bottle, raises the wick to protrude from the neck of the bottle thereby permitting vapors emitting from the wick to permeate the surrounding air. In a typical wick-type dispenser of this sort, the absorbency of the wick material is such that the wick is always substantially fully saturated and the amount of vapor emitted into the ambient air is dependent mainly on the surface area of the wick being exposed to the air. A user of the device may regulate the concentration or amount of vapors being emitted by raising or lowering thewick element in the neck of the bottle.

When a wick-type dispenser is used for dispensing insecticides or other substances harmful to humanbeings, great care must be exercised in the use of the dispenser. A user of the wick-type dispenser must be careful not to come in contact with the wet wick. Moreover, since the liquid in the bottle is substantially in an open state, there is always likelihood the bottle will be overturned and the contents spilled. Also, small children unattended may through curiosity'handle the bottle and come in contact with the contents thereof with harmful results. To prevent occurrences such as above mentioned, the United States Department of Agriculture has strict requirements which must be complied with for'licensed manufacture and sale of vapor dispensers ,for dispensing harmful substances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a leakproof, tamperproof small portable dispenser unit particularly useful for dispensing vdispenser unit is manufactured. Thus, the dispenser of the present invention will actually regulate or meter a precise predetermined amount of vapor over the active life of the product. By selecting a certain density of plastic foam materia], or by constricting a certain density foam material a desired flow of vapor is permitted to pass from the storage chamber of the dispersing unit into the ambient air. The characteristics of the plastic foam is such that it permits passage of vapor, yet occludes the passage of liquid. This is particularly important when a device of the present invention is overturned and when the substance contained therein is harmful to plants. animals, products or the like. As an additional safeguard, the vapor dispenser means of the present invention is provided with attachment means for pendantly attaching the dispenser body from a suitable support.

The dispennr unit of the present invention substantially eliminates the likelihood of a strong, caustic or harmful dispersant coming in contact with the skin or vital areas of the user of the device. The dispenser device of the present invention is primarily a nonrefillable throwaway type unit thereby eliminating the hazard of refilling a dispenser, but it will be understood that in certain instances it may be desirable to refill the dispensers. The device of the present invention includes hand-operable valve or stopper means for sealingly occluding the vapors from the ambient air when the device is not being used; push-pull handle means provide easily operable positive acting means for opening or closing ofi the dispersant vapors from the outside atmosphere.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of the vapor dispersing unit of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the device taken as from FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical plane longitudinal sectional view.

FIG.'4 is a vertical plane sectional view similar to FIG. 3 but illustrating the tion. I I

FIG. 5 is a transverse horizontal plane sectional view taken as on the line V V of FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The first embodiment of the invention (FIGS. 1-6) is indicated by numeral 11 and includes basically a generally tubular body 13 having upper, lower and medial body sections 15, 17, 19; a closure or stopper element 21 arranged inbody medial section 19; handle means 23 for manipulation of stopper element 21; and vapor metering means 25 for metering the flow of vapor from the interior of body 13 to the outside atmosphere. v

The? preferred embodiment or first embodiment ll of the invention, as illustrated in the drawing and as hereinafter described in detail, is fabricated from a-number of telescopic overlapping parts. However, for purposes of clarity, and also for continuity in description of the three embodiments of the invention, the dispenser unit body of the respective embodiments will be considered as being demarcated respectively by vertically spaced horizontal planes a and b.

Body 13 of embodiment 11 preferably is formed of two generally tubular hollow parts including a-base 27 and cover 29 fitted together at annular joint 31. Base 27 includes a bot-. tom portion 33 and a cylindrical wall portion 35 defining a chamber 37 adapted to hold a quantity of volatile dispersant material as dispersant liquid D. Cover 29 is somewhat thimbleshaped and includes cylindrical sidewall portions 39 and a generally annular top portion 41 defining a through vertical bore opening 43. The lower portion of cover 29 is provided with an inwardly offset rim 45 which telescopically sealingly engages rim 47 of base 27. The joining of base 27 and cover 29 defines substantially a medial passageway 49 (see FIG. 4) extending substantially coextensive the extention of medial section 19 of body 13. A plurality of outlet passageways 51 (4 passageways being illustrated) communicate interior 53 of cover 29 with the outside atmosphere.

Stopper element 21 is generally inverted cup-shaped and includes a topwall portion 55 and sidewall portion 57 defining an external cylindrical seating surface 59. Cylindrical sidewall 39 of cover 29 defines an annular seat 61. Stopper element 21 is adapted for vertical movement to and from sealing engagement with annular seat 61 respectively for opening or closing ofi passage of vapors passing through medial passageway 49.

stopper means of the device in a raised disposi- Handle means 23, for vertical manipulating of stopper element 21, preferably includes a vertical rod element 63 extending through bore opening 43 of cover 29. The lower end portion of rod element 63 is firmly secured or integrally formed with stopper element 21 as indicated by numeral 65. The upper end portion of rod element 63 projects above body upper section 15 and affords finger grip means for vertical manipulation of stopper element 21. The lower portions 67 respectively of outlet passageways 51 are semicircular and arranged radially outwardly of stopper element 21. The relative proportions respectively of stopper element 21 and cover 29 is such that when stopper element 21 is in a raised disposition and is disposed in interior 53 of cover 29, vapor from disper- '"sant liquid D is permitted to pass through outlet passageway 51 and into the ambient air (see arrows indicating passage of vapor in illustration FIG. 4).

Vapor metering means of embodiment 11 preferably in cludes a barrier or wad 69 formed of polyurethane plastic open-cell material arranged in medial passageway 49, and a strip 71 of liquid absorbent material arranged vertically in body chamber 37. Wad 69 is thick;solid; .dise-shaped in con- ,figuration and is snugly fitted in medial passageway 49 with upper surface 73 thereof arranged slightly below stopper element 21 when the stopper element is in a closed disposition (see FIG. 3). Absorbent strip 71 of vapor metering means 25 is generally pendantly secured in chamber 37 with upper end portion 75 embeddedly secured in the underside of wad 69.

An eyelet or loop 77 is formed on the upper end of vertical rod element 63 of handle means '23 for pendantly securing body 13 from a suitable support. Dispersant body 13 is adapted for pendant attachment by a cord (not shown) interconnecting eyelet 77 and a suitable support.

In using the device of first embodiment 11, the user may selectively move stopper element 21 between a closed position (see FIG. 3) and an open position (see FIG. 4). By grasping and pulling upward on rod element 63 stopper element 61 is raised and the vapor permitted to pass from chamber 37 through medial passageway 49, outlet passageway 51 and into the outside atmosphere. Pushing inward on vertical rod element 63 moves stopper element 21 into engagement with annular seat 61 thereby occluding passage of vapor from chamber 37. Since the vapor density and pressure of the saturated vapor contained in chamber 37 remains at a substantially constant level, a substantially uniform flow of vapor passes through medial passageway 49 and enters the atmosphere when stopper 21 is open.

The second embodiment of the invention (see F IG. 7), is in- ,dicated by numeral 79 and includes basically a body 81 having --..an upper, lower and medial section 83, 85, 87 respectively; a

.stopper element 89; handle means 91; and vapor metering means 93. For purposes of clarification in description vertically spaced horizontal planes a and b will be considered as demarcating the body of the device into upper, lower and medial sections 83, 85, 87. Embodiment 79 differs mainly from em- ".bodiment 11 by the inclusion of constricting ring means 95 arfranged constrictingly around vapor metering barrier or wad 597. By forming wad 97 of polyurethane cellular material of a desired density and/or by constricting wad 97 a desired degree by ring means 95, substantially a predetermined flow of vapor may be obtained.

Body 81 of second embodiment 79 preferably is formed of 'three parts including a base 99, a cover 101 and a ferrule 103. 'Base 99 and cover 101 are sealingly joined along their respect'ive rim portions and substantially in the same manner as the base and cover parts of first embodiment 11. Ferrule 103 is "preferably integrally formed and includes coaxially arranged clarity in description, and for establishing correspondence with first embodiment 11, inside cylindrical surfaces 109, 111 respectively of upper and lower ferrule portions 105.- 107 will be considered as defining a medial passageway 113 connecting the interior 115 of cover 101 and chamber 117 of base 99.

Stopper element 89 is inverted cuplike and includes a topwall defining an exterior circumferential flange 119 and a cylindrical sidewall 121 projecting downwardly from topwall flange 119. Dual joint sealing means is provided when stopper element 89 is in a closed disposition; exterior flange portion 119 and cylindrical sidewall portion 121 of stopper element 89 are adapted to simultaneously engage respectivelyend and interior cylindrical surface portions respectively of annular seat portion 105 of ferrule 103 (see FIG 7). Stopper element 89,-".when in a closed disposition, covers wad 97 with cylindrical sidewall portion 121 of stopper element 89 surrounding upper portion 123 of wad 97. Rod element 125 of handle means 91 projects upwardly throughcover 101 and affords means for manipulation of stopper element 89'to open and closed positions.

Adjustable loop means 127 preferably provides the means for pendantly attaching dispersant device body 81 to a suitable support: the upper end portion of rod element 125 is in the form of an upwardly opening socket 129; adjustable loop means 127 is provided with a downwardly projecting studlike anchor portion 131 which is frictionally received in socket 129. Ballchainlike strap portion 133 of loop means 127 is adapted to be selectively removably received in a slotted opening 135 in an arm portion 137 projecting outwardly from anchor portion 131. Adjustable loop means 127 is a commercially available item and well known to those working in certain mechanical arts. The use of adjustable loop means 127 in the combination of the present invention and in the specific art of this invention is believed to be important and therefore is included in the description of this invention.

Vapor metering means 93 preferably includes a strip 139 of liquid absorbent material enclosed in chamber 117 of lower section 85 of body 81. Strip 139 is pendantly secured with the upper end portion thereof embeddedly secured in the underside of lower portion 141 of vapor metering means wad 97. To provide proper metering action for the vapor or liquid passing through wad 97, the upper end portion of strip 139 preferably does not extend into the constricted center portion of wad 97; should the upper end portion of strip 139 extend into or through the restricted portion of wad 97, the effect of constricting the wad to meter the vapor flow would be substantially obviated. However, in some instances, it may be desirable to have the upper end portion of strip 139 extending above the constricted center portion of wad 97 in which case the upper portion 123 of wad 97 will to some extent regulate the flow of vapor and yet prevent the saturated wick from leaking, as when the dispenser is turned over. Pulling upwardly on handle means 91 raises stopper element 89 from its seat and permits passage of vapor from chamber 117 through wad 97 through passageways 143 and into the ambient air.

Third embodiment of the invention, indicated 145 (illustrated in FIG. 9), includes a body 147 having upper, lower and medial sections 149, 151, 153; a stopperelement 155; handle means 157; and vapor metering means 159. When embodiment 145 is in use with stopper element 155 in a raised disposition, vapor emitted from dispersant substance D in chamber 161 passes through the cellular structure of barrier or wad 163, around stopper element 155, through passageways 165 and into the ambient air. Adjustable loop means 167 is secured on handle means 157 for pendantlysupporting body 147 from a suitable support.

Third embodiment 145 corresponds generally to second embodiment 79, the principal difference in the two embodimerits being that third embodiment 145 does not include a strip (139) of absorbent material for raising the dispersant liquid to wad 163. In dispensing certain highly volatile dispersant substances or such substances having a high evaporation rate. an absorbent strip (139) is not necessary for lifting the stances the vapor density and pressure of the saturated vapor contained in chamber 161 is sufficient for causing a uniform flow of vapor through constructed wad 163. Also, it will be understood that, if desired, wick 71 may be omitted in the first embodiment l1.

lclaim:

1. Dispenser means for dispensing vapors or molecules of gas of vapor producing substances comprising a body adapted to define when disposed vertically, upper, lower and medial body sections, an upwardly opening chamber defined by said lower body section adapted to contain a quantity of volatile vapor-producing dispersant liquid, structure in said upper section defining at least one outlet opening into the ambient air, structure in said medial body section defining a medial passageway communicating the chamber of said body lower section with said body upper section and defining an annular seat surrounding said medial passageway; a stopper element; manually operative handle means connected with said stopper element for selective movement of said stopper element to and from sealing engagement with said annular seat of said medial section, said stopper element being adapted to be manually disengaged from said seat thereby permitting vapor to pass from said chamber through said medial passageway, through said outlet passageway and into the ambient air, or said stopper element being adapted to be engaged with said annular seat thereby occluding passage of vapor from said chamber; and vapor metering means for metering the passage of vapor passing through said medial passageway into the ambient air when said stopper element is in an open disposition disengaged from said seat and for blocking the flow of liquid dispersant therethrough, whereby the dispenser means is leakproof, yet permitting a precise predetermined amount of vapor to flow therethrough over the active life of the dispersant liquid.

2. The device of claim 1 containing volatile insecticide material disposed in said chamber.

3. The vapor dispenser means of claim 1 wherein said vapor metering means includes a barrier formed of cellular nonabsorbent liquid passage occluding material arranged pluglike across said medial passageway; vapor pressure of the saturated volatile vapor contained in said chamber being adapted to move vapor through said barrier and into the ambient air when said stopper element is in an open disposition.

4. The vapor dispenser means of claim 3 wherein said vapor metering means additionally includes a strip of liquid absorbent material arranged pendantly in said body chamber and having the upper end portion thereof secured to the underside portion of said barrier to increase the surface area of the absorbent material contained in said body chamber thus increasing or decreasing the molecular movement in said chamber and therefore through said barrier.

5. The vapor dispenser means of claim 1 wherein said vapor metering means includes a barrier formed of porous cellular resilient material arranged pluglike across said medial passageway and includes constricting ringmeans arranged constrictingly about said barrier and interpose'dly sealingly arranged between the interior wall surface of said medial passageway and the exterior bounding surface of said barrier, said constricting ring means compressing said barrier thereby reducing the size of the cells of the constricted barrier portion and restricting and thus regulating the passage of vapor through said barrier.

6. The vapor dispensing means of claim 5 wherein said vapor metering means additionally includes a strip of liquid absorbent material arranged pendantly in said body chamber and having the upper end portion thereof embeddedly secured in the underside portion of said barrier.

7, The vapor dispenser means of claim l wherein said upper body section includes structure defining a through vertical bone and in which said handle means includes a vertical rod element secured in and projecting through said vertical bore and includes means securing the lower end of said rod element to said stopper element; the upper end of said rod element projecting above said body upper section and'afiording finger grip means for manual vertical manipulation of said stopper element.

8. The vapor dispenser means of claim 7 which additionally includes attachment means for attaching said dispenser body on a support and includes loop means secured on the upper end of said rod element of said handle means; said dispenser body being adapted for attachment by a cord or the like interconnecting said loop means and said support.

9. Dispenser means for dispensing vapor producing substances comprising a hollow body having a chamber therein receiving a vapor producing liquid dispersant, passageway means communicated with said chamber for permitting flow of the vapor from said chamber to the outside atmosphere, and a cellular liquid passage occluding vapor metering means interposed in said passageway means communicated with said chamber for occluding the passageway of the liquid dispersant therethrough, whereby the dispenser means is leakproof, yet permitting a precise predetermined amount of vapor to flow therethrough over the active life of the dispersant substance.

10. The dispenser means of claim 9 which includes a perforated cover means securely attached to said hollow body for rendering said cellular liquid passage occluding vapor metering means inaccessible from the outside of said dispenser means.

11. Dispenser means for dispensing vapor producing substances comprising a body adapted to define when disposed vertically, upper, lower and medial body sections, an upwardly opening chamber defined by said lower body section adapted to contain a quantity of volatile vapor-producing substance, structure in said upper section defining at least one outlet opening into the ambient air, structure in said medial body section defining a medial passageway communicating the chamber of said body lower section with said body upper section and defining an annular seat surrounding said medial passageway; a stopper element; manually operative handle means connected with said stopper element for selective movement of said stopper element to and from sealing engagement with said annular seat of said medial section, said stopper element being adapted to be manually disengaged from said seat thereby permitting vapor to pass from said chamber through said medial passageway, through said outlet passageway and into the ambient air, or said stopper element being adapted to be engaged with said annular seat thereby occluding passage of vapor from said chamber; and vapor metering means for metering the passage of vapor passing through said medial passageway into the ambient air when said stopper element is in an open disposition disengaged from said seat, said upper body section including structure defining a through vertical bore and said handle means including a vertical rod element snugly secured in and projecting through said vertical bore and including means firmly securing the lower end of said rod element to said stopper element; the upper end of said rod element projecting above said body upper section and affording finger grip means for manual vertical manipulation of said stopper element.

12. The vapor dispenser means of claim 11 which additionally includes attachment means for pendantly attaching said dispenser body on a support and includes eyelet means secured on the upper end of said rod element of said handle means; said dispenser body being adapted for pendant attachment by a cord or the like interconnecting said eyelet means and said support.

13. The vapor dispenser means of claim 12 which includes attachment means for pendantly attaching said dispenser body on a support including structure forming an upwardly opening socket on the upper end of said rod element of said handle means and includes adjustable loop means including a studlike anchor portion, said studlike anchor portion of said loop means being firmly frictionally secured in said socket of said rod element of said socket means; said dispenser body being adapted to be pendantly supported from said support means by said loop means detachably engaging said support.

l4. Dispenser means for dispensing and regulating the vapors or molecules of vapor producing substances comprising a body having a chamber therein receiving a vapor producing dispersant substance, passageway means communicated with said chamber for permitting flow of the vapor from said chamber to the outside atmosphere, and cellular dispersant passage occluding vapor metering means interposed in said passageway means communicated with said chamber for occluding the passage of the dispersant therethrough whereby 

